Colorado’s Trusted Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Do you have a valid injury claim for a motorcycle crash in Colorado? How much is it worth?
Our Denver accident attorneys can get you on the road to recovery.
“Share the road!” Riders, cyclists, motorcycle accident attorneys and the victims they represent wish this courtesy were extended by all drivers. Sadly, we know this isn’t the case.
If you recently survived a motorcycle crash, you’re one of the lucky ones.
The Colorado State Patrol reports that motorcycle fatalities have doubled in the last decade, and motorcyclists are 34 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a crash. If the accident led to a fatality, the claim then becomes a wrongful death case. Even if injuries were not fatal, the healing process may take months, if not years, of costly medical treatment.
Recovery can certainly take its toll, both financially and emotionally.
An experienced motorcycle attorney can help you obtain the compensation you need to cover medical treatment, lost wages or even burial expenses.
If another driver or party is ultimately responsible for the collision, you may have a legal right to seek financial damages to adequately address your injuries. Now is the time to seek fair and just compensation. Colorado accident attorneys at The Babcock Law Firm can help.
When to Hire an Injury Attorney
Regardless of whether you ride a motorcycle for recreation or everyday travel, a collision with a car or truck is, at the very least, a very chaotic, life-altering event. Motorcycles are different in that they often go unnoticed by other drivers until it’s too late.
A few situations where this commonly leads to an accident include:
- Unsafe lane changes
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Left & right turns
- Rear-end collisions
- Speeding
- Broadside collisions
Drunk drivers and otherwise reckless driving on the road can also lead to some pretty gruesome motorcycle accidents.
Our motorcycle accident attorneys know that while motorcycle accidents are similar to car accidents from a legal standpoint, the injuries sustained are often much more severe. Common motorcycle crash injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage
- Paralysis
- Broken arms and legs
- Facial fractures and disfigurement
- Limb amputations
- Muscle damage
- Extreme road rash
You can rest assured that we are intricately familiar with complex medical issues caused by serious motorcycle wrecks and we’re experienced in crafting compelling arguments to help secure your right to compensation.
It becomes even more critical to ensure just compensation is awarded to you when your injuries require medical treatment for months or even possibly years after your motorcycle accident.
Proving Motorcycle Accident Fault in Colorado – More Complex Than You Might Think
Fault can be difficult to prove in motorcycle accident cases, despite the fact that even if you’re partially at-fault (less than 50%) for the accident involving your motorcycle, Colorado law allows for damages to still be awarded.
One of the reasons why this is the case is because police and witnesses often have a bias against motorcyclists, which is most often seen in the immediate aftermath of an accident. For this reason, it’s critically important you enlist the help of an attorney experienced in helping motorcycle accident victims like you obtain the fullest amount of compensation allowed under the law.
Too often, injured motorcyclists accept an early settlement—only to find that the amount is not enough to address the long-term effects of their injuries.
Our personal injury lawyers are methodical in their reconstruction of an accident. We’ll review your opponent’s driving history and uncover any evidence to prove the fault of the other driver.
Even when it’s clear that the other driver is at fault, it’s common in Colorado for insurance companies to attempt to settle an injury claim for far less than its worth. They will try and offer a quick settlement soon after the incident to avoid paying potentially bigger payouts in the future. Their hope is that you’ll simply settle your claim and move on.
Having a motorcycle attorney who is familiar with the inner-workings of insurance companies can be invaluable in situations like these.
10 Steps Following a Motorcycle Wreck
Colorado’s motorcycle accident attorney Mack Babcock understands how to get you the compensation you deserve
Riding a motorcycle can be an exhilarating experience! In the beautiful state of Colorado, many enjoy cruising around our scenic mountain roads on their chopper. However, driving such a vehicle can also be incredibly dangerous when a mistake is made by either a rider or nearby vehicle.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, there were approximately 8.4 million motorcycles on the road in 2013. That year in the United States alone, it was reported that 4,668 people lost their lives due to a motorcycle crash and 88,000 were injured. The U.S. government estimates that based on per mile traveled, a person on a motorcycle is 26 times more likely to be killed in the event of an accident than someone in a car.
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injury or death in the wake of a Colorado motorcycle accident, it is necessary you understand the following steps to take in the unfortunate event that such a tragic accident occurs.
On-the-Scene:
Step #1: Immediately call for help. The authorities should be contacted as soon as the accident occurs. Do not move the motorcycle. If you are able to move, carefully remove yourself out of danger from the oncoming traffic if necessary.
Step #2: Get the police report. Make sure you get a copy of the official crash report from the responding police officer. It will have several important pieces information for you, including the name of the other individuals who were also involved in the collision and the name of their insurance provider.
Step #3: Gather witness information. Seek out eyewitnesses before you leave the accident scene if possible. Witnesses are an important part of any auto accident case because they can testify to exactly what happened and help support your case. Gather their contact information as quickly as you can.
Step #4: Take photographs. Take as many pictures of the crash scene as you can with your cell phone or camera. If you do not have one or it was damaged during the accident, get someone else on the scene to take photos for you. Try to take shots from all angles so that you can show exactly what happened.
After the Accident:
Step #5: Notify your insurance company. Call your insurer and let them know about the accident as soon as possible following an accident so that they can start doing what they need to do on their end.
Step #6: Seek medical attention. If you feel you are injured in any way, you should seek immediate medical attention. Plaintiffs in an auto accident case will find it much more difficult to come back a month later and say that they were injured after all.
Step #7: Follow up with doctors. You must follow up with any medical appointments after your accident. If you do not, then the insurance company may try to blame a health condition on a gap in treatment and say that you did not do what you were instructed to do by a doctor.
Step #8: Don’t talk with other drivers’ insurance company. Insurers are always looking out for their bottom line and not your best interests. No matter what you say to them, they may be able to twist the story around and get out of payment. Also, the adjustor may try to buy you out with a cheap settlement. Leave this part to an experienced Colorado attorney.
Step #9: Save and collect all documents. Gather and organize all relevant information you may need to prepare for a possible case, including report documents, witness information, medical information and any other necessary documentation.
Step #10: Contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. Don’t try to handle this stressful situation alone. Find a legal professional like R. Mack Babcock who is highly familiar with all aspects of a lawsuit regarding motorcycle accidents.
R. Mack Babcock and associates at Denver’s Babcock Law Firm skillfully assist motorcycle riders and their families to obtain compensation for accident injury or fatality. Motorcycle collision cases drastically differ from standard auto accident cases, which is why talking to a lawyer who truly understands these differences is so essential.
It’s important that you not delay – insurance companies will move quickly with their own investigations. Contact The Babcock Law Firm today to discuss your case with an experienced Colorado motorcycle accident attorney. We will fight for you and ensure that you receive a settlement commensurate with the level of injury you or a loved one sustained at the hands of a negligent driver.
Top motorcycle safety tips to keep you safe
Riding can be a ton of fun, but understanding these important safety tips is vital for a safer, more enjoyable experience:
- Wear a helmet. Although Colorado law does not require anyone over the age of 18 to wear a helmet, it’s vital for your safety. Many of the recorded fatalities show that the driver was not wearing a helmet. According to the National Safety Council, helmets are about 37% effective at preventing fatalities for motorcycle drivers and 41% effective for motorcycle passengers.
- Wear proper shoes. Flip flops may be convenient, but they’re not appropriate for riding a motorcycle. Protect your feet from the road and debris that may fly up and cut you.
- Don’t follow too closely. Many accidents have occurred because the person driving the motorcycle thought they were far enough back from the vehicle in front of them. You can never be too safe. This goes the same for a vehicle that’s behind the motorcycle, so try not to make any sudden stops.
- Watch your speed. The fact is that speeding leads to an increased chance of accidents, injuries and death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 34% of all motorcycle fatalities in 2020 involved speeding. Don’t exceed the speed limits, and take extra precautions when going around curves.
- Wear proper gear. Shorts are absolutely not what you need to wear on a motorcycle. Even if you’re not in an accident involving a car, you could possibly slide, and doing so in shorts could lead to injuries like road rash on asphalt. Wearing eye gear is important too because of all the flying debris and rocks you can hit.
- Watch the weather. It’s never a good idea to ride in poor weather. Slippery, wet and icy conditions can quickly lead to a possible catastrophe. Check the weather before you travel, and don’t choose the bike if rain or snow is in the forecast.
- Don’t get distracted. Drivers in cars aren’t the only ones who can get distracted. When riding a motorcycle, avoid listening to loud music or fiddling with your phone so you can keep your eyes on the road and make sure everyone sees you and you see them.
- Look twice and look again. You have to be extra cautious when you’re on a motorcycle. Always look at least twice to make certain a car isn’t coming. It could save your life.
- Don’t assume others see you. Large SUVs and trucks have a difficult time seeing motorcyclists. Make sure you’re not riding in their blind spot.
Colorado Motorcycle Accident FAQs
A guide to seeking legal compensation after being involved in a motorcycle accident in Colorado.
As the weather warms each year, motorcyclists from Colorado and around the country take to the roads to enjoy the breathtaking views of the state’s mountainous landscape. While prized by many, the activity is also not without potential hazards. There are many factors to consider if involved in a motorcycle accident in the state of Colorado.
What are the legal requirements for operating a motorcycle in Colorado?
Before operating a motorcycle in Colorado, bikers must have the “M” designation on their driver’s license to indicate that they are at least 16 years of age, have passed the written examination and have completed a motorcycle skills test. Bikers are also required to have motorcycle insurance and proof of coverage on your person while operating the vehicle. Failure to have insurance coverage carries the possibility of license suspension along with a monetary fine of up to $1,000.
Does Colorado have any restrictions pertaining to operating a motorcycle?
During the day, motorcycles are not required to use head or tail lights. At night, the bike must have a functional bright white headlight along with tail lights, which are to be visible for up to 500 feet. The state prohibits bikes from having colored or neon glowing lights.
Passengers must ride in an enclosed cab, in a sidecar or have their feet on safety footrests when seated on the seat behind the driver.
Two motorcycles may share the same lane. However, motorcycles cannot occupy the same lane as another vehicle or attempt to pass a vehicle in the same lane. Motorcycle passengers cannot hold onto another vehicle in an attempt to be towed by that vehicle.
What should I do immediately after being involved in a motorcycle accident?
Regardless of whether anyone incurs injuries or vehicle damage occurs, law enforcement must be notified. Calling the police is vital and a report must be filed. In the event of injury, notify the operator that emergency medical assistance is needed. All parties involved in the collision should be evaluated and transferred to a hospital if necessary. Contact your insurance company.
Denver accident attorney Mack Babcock suggests following these 10 steps after a motorcycle wreck.
What documents or information should I keep?
Have a copy of your accident report along with any documentation provided by a healthcare provider in the event of injuries that required treatments. If the collision involved more than one vehicle, you should get the names, addresses, driver’s license number and insurance information from the other driver.
Should I contact an attorney?
After notifying law enforcement authorities, receiving medical care for injuries and contacting your insurance company, you might consider consulting with an attorney. A lawyer experienced in dealing with cases involving motorcycle collisions improves your chances of getting compensation for medical costs, vehicle damages, income loss or any other expenses you encounter secondary to the accident.
The accident was not my fault, but I was not wearing a motorcycle helmet. Will that hurt my chances of being compensated for injuries and damage?
Colorado does not have a law that requires the use of motorcycle helmets or other safety gear for drivers or passengers aged 18 and older. The states does require that individuals under the age of 18 wear a DOT-approved helmet.
However, all states recommend safety gear. With this factor in mind, the other driver’s insurance company may resist paying all of the compensation you deserve if you were not wearing a helmet or other safety gear at the time of your accident. They may argue that any injuries could have been prevented or minimized if safety gear was worn.
How soon after the accident should I file a lawsuit?
In the state of Colorado, you can file a lawsuit within three years after the collision in hopes of gaining compensation. However, once a lawsuit is filed, it may take anywhere from weeks to years before the courts make a decision and possible compensation is awarded.
What happens if the driver who caused the collision is not insured? Do I still have a chance of receiving compensation?
As long as your vehicle insurance policy includes coverage for uninsured motorists, you can receive compensation for your accident-related expenses.
What if the accident was caused when my motorcycle malfunctioned?
Motorcycle mishaps may occur because of defective tires or mechanical malfunctions. Cyclists might suffer injuries when helmets fail to meet mandated standards. In that case, a liability claim is the means to compensation. An attorney will evaluate the circumstances behind the malfunction and advise you how to proceed with a course of action to redeem expenses.
If you require a personal injury attorney after being involved in a motorcycle accident,
contact The Babcock Law Firm for a consultation.
“I was referred to the Babcock Law Firm by a family member , as I had no experience nor any knowledge in these matters. Well, I am fortunate that their advice was spot on . I would have no reservations about either recommending ,or utilizing their services in the future. I found every member of their staff to be both polite,and friendly. Thank you for your help. C Vigil”
Contact a Top Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Colorado Today – Don’t Delay
Denver accident and injury lawyer Mack Babcock possesses extensive experience in recreating the accident scene and properly interviewing witnesses to get to the bottom of who’s at-fault for the accident, regardless of whether it led to some road rash and relatively minor injuries, or resulted in the tragic death of a loved one.
If you’d like to know your legal rights, it’s important to take action now, because insurance companies will move quickly with their own investigations. Discuss your case with an experienced motorcycle attorney in Colorado to ensure you receive a fair settlement equal to the level of injury you or a loved one sustained at the hands of a negligent driver.
We invite you to contact The Babcock Firm if your motorcycle accident occurred in Denver, Boulder, Aurora, Broomfield, Louisville, Lafayette, Golden, Thornton, Westminster or another Colorado city. If your case falls within our practice area and we feel our representation can benefit you, a motorcycle accident lawyer will meet with you for an in-depth consultation, at no charge.
We’re here to help you secure a successful settlement for your motorcycle accident claim.
Colorado Motorcycle Accident Resources
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Disclaimer
While the Babcock Law Firm tirelessly works to obtain successful outcomes for its clients, prior positive outcomes are no guarantee of future success. Indicating prior positive results is in no way intended to guarantee future results.
